A California couple and the paternal grandmother of their 8-year-old son are facing charges of murder, torture, and child abuse resulting in death. The three are alleged to have subjected the boy, identified as Isaiah H., to severe abuse, leading to his death. The boy’s body was reportedly found in a cooler filled with ice days after his demise.
The accused are Destiny Harrison, 25, Daniel Monzon, 25, and Ana Carcamo Zarceno, 45. Monzon and Zarceno, the boy’s paternal grandmother, are also charged with being accessories after the fact. The charges stem from allegations of intentional harm inflicted on Isaiah, which ultimately led to his death.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman, in a statement, expressed his shock and dismay at the severity of the abuse Isaiah suffered, particularly as it was allegedly perpetrated by those who were supposed to protect him.
Three other children, aged 16, 13, and 9 months, were found in the Lynwood apartment where the tragic incident occurred. They have since been taken into protective custody by the L.A. County Department of Children and Family Services.
Neighbors of the accused expressed surprise at the allegations, describing Harrison as a calm individual who seemed like a normal person. They reported seeing her walking her dog and picking her children up from the school bus. Christian Torres, a neighbor, said he often saw the children playing outside while their mother watched them.
Prosecutors allege that Isaiah was subjected to abuse over a prolonged period before he eventually succumbed to his injuries on October 24. His body was discovered days later in a cooler filled with ice. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
Bail for Harrison, Monzon, and Zarceno has been set at $2 million each. If convicted, they could face between 32 years to life in state prison. Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn described the incident as an unimaginable and horrific tragedy, expressing concern for the other children in the home and emphasizing the need for the Department of Children and Family Services to provide them with all necessary support and protection.